The Maryland State Police held its 17th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, which promised all the chills and thrills plungers and spectators have come to know and love.

The event has grown into a party on the bay, but it also remains true to its core: an event that provides Marylanders challenged by the everyday demands of life to enjoy the spirit and camaraderie of athletic competition.

On Friday, thousands of high schoolers joined in for what's become a huge part of the event known as the Cool Schools Challenge. Business sponsors also took part in the new corporate plunge.

More than 13,000 people then threw themselves into the bay for the big plunge on Saturday afternoon. Officials said Sunday that the event had preliminarily raised $2 million. An official tally will be out later in the week.

Check out some of the videos and images (links the the left) from this year's event.

You can still help by making a donation to your favorite personalities from WBAL-TV and our radio partners -- 98 Rock and WBAL 1090 AM -- who took part in the event.

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